Are You Familiar With These 3 Workplace Fire Hazards?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

It is important for employers and employees alike to gain an understanding of workplace fire hazards.

Home fire safety is a subject we often hear about, but as it turns out, commercial workplace settings are not devoid of their own fire hazards. As a result, it is important for employers and employees alike to gain an understanding of such hazards. That’s why today’s blog will introduce you to 3 fire hazards you may not have expected to find in workplace settings. With this information, commercial properties and the people working in them can be better protected from the dangers of fire in the workplace.

Circuits

Electrical circuits can be found in almost every commercial property. These circuits are often overloaded with a considerable number of electronic devices to which they provide electrical power. In actuality, although filling electrical circuits to their capacity may not appear to be a fire hazard, doing so can overheat circuits, which may ignite fire. To avoid this fire hazard, unplug devices when you are not actively using them. 

Dust

You may be surprised to learn that something as small and seemingly harmless as dust can cause fires to ignite in workplaces. From metal to wood, a variety of surface types can accumulate dust. In the event that this dust sits idly on surfaces for extended periods of time,  the dust can risk fire. Dust can accumulate on computers, phones, filing cabinets, and even cords- objects commonly found in workplace environments. You can decrease your workplace’s risk for fire by regularly cleaning dust off of surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas in addition to those in eyesight.

Flammable Liquids and Materials

Your workplace may contain many different kinds of flammable objects and/or liquids. If this is the case, it is best to contain them and limit their exposure to sparks of flames, which can be achieved by keeping them sealed and stored away in a dry place. Objects as seemingly harmless as loose paper or fabrics such as curtains are just as flammable, so it is crucial to keep them as organized and tidy as possible. In the event that a fire ignites, even the smallest spark can cause these flammable materials to ignite, thereby facilitating the fire’s spread and growth, which can be dangerous to the workplace and the entire property’s safety. Reduce this risk by keeping papers tucked away in drawers or cabinets instead of sitting out, exposed. Be sure to also throw away paper trash as soon as possible.  

Fire Damage in Your Commercial Property? Contact SERVPRO

Even if your workplace proactively works to prevent fires from igniting, it is impossible to completely eliminate the chance of a fire damage emergency. While you can reduce the risk of a fire igniting, accidents can always happen. All the while, SERVPRO’s professional Commercial Fire Damage Restoration services, our reputable Fire Restoration Process, as well as our ability to Care For Your Fire Damaged Belongings can bring commercial property owners peace of mind. To make it “Like it never even happened” after any emergency, call your local office of SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team - Team Wall, SERVPRO of Harrisburg West, at (717) 510-6779 at the first sign of fire damage.